The Equalizer 3 Set to Shatter Labor Day Weekend Records Surpassing a Marvel Cinematic Universe Film

Summary

The Equalizer 3 is expected to have a strong opening weekend at the box office, potentially earning $42M to $43.5M.

Competing directly against Marvel's Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, which currently holds the title of the highest-grossing Labor Day opener, The Equalizer 3 has the potential to surpass all previous films in the Equalizer franchise if it achieves the higher estimate.

The Equalizer 3 is poised to achieve a significant milestone at the box office during Labor Day weekend, as it goes head-to-head with the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Denzel Washington's character, Robert McCall, returns from retirement to combat gentrification and faces off directly against Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, the latest addition to the MCU and an origin story.

According to Deadline, The Equalizer 3 has the opportunity to secure a formidable $42M to $43.5M over its four-day opening weekend. This would make it the second-highest-grossing Labor Day opening in box office history, just behind Shang-Chi. The movie is expected to generate $35.5M to $36.5M during its initial three-day opening. If it manages to achieve the higher estimate, it will be the most successful installment in the Equalizer franchise to date.

The Box Office Results Will Only Get Better

While Equalizer is already proving to be a successful box office hit, its results are expected to continue to improve. With a budget of approximately $70 million, it is on par with the budgets of other films in the franchise. Any improvement on previous installments would therefore represent a significant increase in earnings, unaffected by inflation. To be considered a true success, the movie would need to earn $175 million, and it is projected to have enough staying power to attain that goal.

Notably, Equalizer has received the highest Rotten Tomatoes score in the franchise, with a 93 percent audience rating and a 76 percent Tomatoscore. This positive word-of-mouth is expected to attract more viewers to theaters. However, the movie's R-rating poses a limitation on the number of potential viewers, particularly as it arrives in theaters towards the end of the summer season.

Fortunately, the saving grace lies in the fact that there are only a handful of other movies vying for attention in the upcoming weeks. My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 has a completely different target audience, making the next major contender Expend4bles, set to release on September 22. Another challenge will come in the form of The Nun II on September 8. However, if The Equalizer 3 manages to hold its ground against the upcoming competition, it will undoubtedly achieve significant success at the box office.